Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic 3dr Car Review - April 2013

REVIEW
List Price: £14,605
Tax Band: E
Insurance Group: 7
MPG: 47.1
CO2: 139
0-62 Mph: 13.2 secs
BHP: 98 BHP
Range: 549 miles
CarSite Verdict:  4/5
The latest generation of Hyundai’s small family hatchback, the i30, unveiled at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show, is a real international effort. The South Korean manufacturer had the i30 designed and engineered by its European Technical Centre in Germany, and the car is built at its production facility in the Czech Republic. The new i30 range was released for sale in the European market by Hyundai early in 2012, with the 3 door version following later the same year. The £13,995 Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic 3dr continues in the best traditions of the brand by offering an affordable new car to the budget conscious buyer, but the latest i30 range also has ambitions of challenging its European rivals for refinement and driving experience too.

PROS:  Low price tag, impressive styling, comfortable ride.

CONS:  Unremarkable performance, and for low running costs you’d be better off buying one of the diesel-powered models instead.

Behind the Wheel

The entry level Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic 3dr is powered by a 1.4-litre, 16-valve petrol engine which produces 98bhp and 101lb-ft of torque at 4200rpm. It's not the most powerful engine in the world -- or, indeed, in the range -- accelerating from 0-62mph in 13.2 seconds and boasting a 113mph top speed, but is a flexible power unit which is perfectly adequate for everyday driving. The suspension is impressively refined, ironing out the bumps capably and giving a comfortable ride. The i30 feels well balanced too, with impressive grip and little body roll. The steering is less impressive, and leaves the driver with a feeling of detachment, and the road noise levels detract from the overall impression of refinement.

Looks & Equipment

The first generation of the Hyundai i30 was not without its charms, but its styling was instantly forgettable. The new i30, however, is a different kettle of fish and manages to be far more distinctive. Highlights are the front end, where the number plate takes centre stage in a hexagonal grille and bumper arrangement, while the sharper lines and more pronounced wheel arches suit the 3 door design in particular. The Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic 3dr is the entry level model in the current Hyundai i30 range, but even so comes as standard with power steering, central locking, stability control, air conditioning, electric door mirrors, electric front windows, alarm, immobiliser, and CD player with Bluetooth and MP3 connectivity.

Practicality, Safety & Reliability

The Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic 3dr comes as standard with driver, passenger, and front side airbags, and boasts top marks from Euro NCAP. Hyundai has acquired a solid reputation for customer satisfaction in recent years and the i30 comes as standard with a 5-year unlimited mileage warranty. The i30 is practical too, with ample leg and headroom for both front and rear passengers and 378 litres of boot capacity, rising to 1316 with the split folding rear seats lowered, which is more than you would find in a Ford Focus.

Value for Money

The Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic 3dr is priced at £13,995, representing the entry level model in the Hyundai i30 range. A combined fuel economy of 47.1mpg and 139g/km of CO2 emissions (Road Tax Band E) from the 1.4-litre petrol engine are acceptable, but the diesel-powered models higher up in the range are significantly cleaner and more economical, and also boast better performance figures. As a result, it is the diesel models, which start with the £17,490 Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Active (110ps) Blue Drive 3dr, which will have greater appeal thanks to their lower running costs and improved specification levels. Having said this, the i30 Classic still represents brilliant value for money.

Hyundai i30 1.4 Classic 3dr Car Review - by 
All Hyundai I30 Reviews
Hyundai i30 Estate 1.6 Comfort 5dr - March 2012
Hyundai takes on the Golf and Focus with astonishing results. It's still not quite there but it's an excellent car nonetheless.
Hyundai i30 Estate 1.6 CRDi Premium 5dr - March 2012
Cheap, economical, practical, good to drive, good looking and comfortable - it really is difficult to pick fault with the i30 Estate 1.6 CRDi Premium. It does everything that the Focus and Golf do ...
Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Active (110ps) Blue Drive 5dr - May 2013
At £17,995 the Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Active (110ps) Blue Drive 5dr sits around the middle of the i30 range and should attract buyers with its healthy blend of performance, practicality, and low runn...
Hyundai i30 1.6 CRDi Active (110ps) Auto 5dr - May 2013
On the whole the i30 is a very practical hatchback that offers plenty of space and equipment at a reasonable price, and the excellent diesel engine is a strong performer. The car is comfortable and...
Hyundai i30 Tourer 1.6 Classic 5dr - May 2013
Most models in the i30 Tourer range come with a 1.6 CRDi engine, and for the majority of people it will make more sense to opt for the diesel both in terms of efficiency and performance. The estate...
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Medium Family Alternatives

You might want to read reviews for other Medium Family cars that you can then compare to the Hyundai I30. Here are some popular Hyundai I30 alternatives:

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